PHOENIX (Wednesday January 20, 2011) - Attorney General Tom Horne today announced his office has filed an appearance in U.S. v. Arizona, the Obama administration’s federal court challenge to S.B. 1070. Attorney General Horne is appearing as counsel for the State of Arizona and will work with Governor Brewer’s counsel, who have been defending the Governor and the State in numerous federal court lawsuits challenging S.B. 1070.

“I promised the people of Arizona that as the top law enforcement officer of this state, I would vigorously defend state law,” Horne said. “Today I am fulfilling my vow to defend S.B. 1070 in the courts against the attack by the Obama administration challenge to the law.”

He added, “It is the responsibility of the federal government to secure the international border. Despite the claims of members of the Obama Administration that the border is ‘as secure as it’s ever been’, the evidence is to the contrary. There are far too many incidents of violence – including the recent murder of a Border Patrol Agent – drug and human smuggling, kidnappings and other criminal acts along the border that must be dealt with swiftly and aggressively. S.B. 1070 is an important tool in that effort.”

Horne concluded, “I would urge the Obama Administration to drop its challenge of the law and allow Arizona to utilize every legal means at our disposal to combat crime along the border. Absent that action, I will use my office as Attorney General to defend S.B. 1070 all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary.”

Editors: Attached is a link to a brief video of Tom Horne discussing today’s action. Broadcast outlets are free to use this video/audio.